UoM China Newsletter - UoM China Centre Newsletter: September Issue

UoM China Newsletter - UoM China Centre Newsletter: September Issue https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/ en-us 04 Sep 2026 05:03:37 CST 04 Sep 2026 05:03:37 CST https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/rss.xml Newsweaver mba@uom.ac.cn (The University of Manchester China Centre) support@newsweaver.ie (Newsweaver) 60 true Director's Message https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/105jyxqmdqb?lang=en&rss=true Dear Alumni, Students, Partners and Friends, As we enter a new academic year, I am delighted to share another month of activity and progress from the University of Manchester China Centre. Across our community, one theme continues to stand out: the importance of thinking differently in a world of rapid change. From the transformation of finance through artificial intelligence, to the evolving landscape of international education, today’s professionals and leaders are being challenged to question established approaches, develop new perspectives and turn ideas into meaningful impact. In recent weeks, we have brought together alumni, students, educators and professionals from across our community to explore these questions. Our AI and Finance event, delivered in partnership with CIMA, examined not only how AI is changing financial practice, but also how it is reshaping the skills and capabilities expected of finance professionals. At our Educational Leadership Summer Mixer, we explored how digital communities can support international education and how leaders can respond to an increasingly complex environment. These conversations reflect what we value at Manchester: original thinking, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom. I am also very pleased to share that the China Centre was recently recognised through the achievements of our own community. In August, I was honoured to receive the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to International Education Development Award at the Most Beautiful Educators Awards Ceremony in Beijing. I am deeply grateful for this recognition, which I see not only as a personal honour, but as a reflection of the collective efforts of our colleagues, students, alumni and partners who continue to strengthen the University of Manchester’s presence and impact in China. Meanwhile, the University continues to strengthen its position among the world’s leading universities, maintaining its place in the UK’s top six and among Europe’s highest-ranked institutions in the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities. This global reputation provides an important foundation for our work in China, while our community here continues to bring Manchester’s spirit of innovation and collaboration to one of the world’s most dynamic environments. This spirit is also at the heart of our new Manchester Global MBA campaign for the January 2027 intake: Original Thinking, Global Impact. For more than 200 years, Manchester has been a place where bold ideas challenge convention and create new possibilities. Today, that spirit continues in Shanghai, where ambitious professionals are navigating complex business challenges and shaping what comes next. As we look ahead, I warmly invite you to join us at our upcoming events, including our Global MBA Open Lecture with Professor Paul Taaffe, our masterclass on China’s IPO market, and our Dialogue with Academics on educational leadership in international education. I hope these opportunities will inspire new conversations, new connections and, most importantly, new ways of thinking. Because thinking differently is only the beginning. What we do with that thinking is what creates impact. Warm regards, Dr Sherry Fu Founding Director & Managing Director The University of Manchester China Centre 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 CST 91c4f6ebda3e800b67c3205d89bd34fe Feature Article Dear Alumni, Students, Partners and Friends,   As we enter a new academic year, I am delighted to share another month of activity and progress from the University of Manchester China Centre.   Across our community, one theme continues to stand out: the importance of thinking differently in a world of rapid change. From the transformation of finance through artificial intelligence, to the evolving landscape of international education, today’s professionals and leaders are being challenged to question established approaches, develop new perspectives and turn ideas into meaningful impact.   In recent weeks, we have brought together alumni, students, educators and professionals from across our community to explore these questions. Our AI and Finance event, delivered in partnership with CIMA, examined not only how AI is changing financial practice, but also how it is reshaping the skills and capabilities expected of finance professionals. At our Educational Leadership Summer Mixer, we explored how digital communities can support international education and how leaders can respond to an increasingly complex environment.   These conversations reflect what we value at Manchester: original thinking, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom.   I am also very pleased to share that the China Centre was recently recognised through the achievements of our own community. In August, I was honoured to receive the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to International Education Development Award at the Most Beautiful Educators Awards Ceremony in Beijing. I am deeply grateful for this recognition, which I see not only as a personal honour, but as a reflection of the collective efforts of our colleagues, students, alumni and partners who continue to strengthen the University of Manchester’s presence and impact in China.   Meanwhile, the University continues to strengthen its position among the world’s leading universities, maintaining its place in the UK’s top six and among Europe’s highest-ranked institutions in the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities. This global reputation provides an important foundation for our work in China, while our community here continues to bring Manchester’s spirit of innovation and collaboration to one of the world’s most dynamic environments.   This spirit is also at the heart of our new Manchester Global MBA campaign for the January 2027 intake: Original Thinking, Global Impact. For more than 200 years, Manchester has been a place where bold ideas challenge convention and create new possibilities. Today, that spirit continues in Shanghai, where ambitious professionals are navigating complex business challenges and shaping what comes next.   As we look ahead, I warmly invite you to join us at our upcoming events, including our Global MBA Open Lecture with Professor Paul Taaffe, our masterclass on China’s IPO market, and our Dialogue with Academics on educational leadership in international education.   I hope these opportunities will inspire new conversations, new connections and, most importantly, new ways of thinking.   Because thinking differently is only the beginning. What we do with that thinking is what creates impact.   Warm regards,   Dr Sherry Fu Founding Director & Managing Director The University of Manchester China Centre https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/d0/3022c219cc6dc5567bcef6.jpg University of Manchester among world's leading universities in latest global ranking https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/17ij14vwe7n?lang=en&rss=true The University of Manchester has maintained its place among the world's leading universities, retaining its position in the UK's top six and as one of Europe's highest-ranked institutions in the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). The 2026 ARWU ranking places Manchester 51 in the world, 14 in Europe and sixth in the UK. It reflects the University's continued strength as a research-intensive institution rooted in Manchester and connected across the world. The results also show improvements in two of the ranking's most prestigious indicators: Highly Cited Researchers and publications in Nature and Science. These measures point to the reach and influence of research carried out at Manchester. The ranking is published annually by ShanghaiRanking and is widely regarded as one of the world's most influential assessments of university research performance. Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “These results are welcome recognition for Manchester, however we must continue to improve in an increasingly competitive international higher education landscape. “I am grateful for the hard work our colleagues contribute every day to advance knowledge, transform lives and deliver impact beyond the University. "As we implement From Manchester for the world, our strategy to 2035, we will continue to focus on excellence and doing work that makes a difference to the communities we serve." The University of Manchester’s 2035 strategy is a long-term commitment to transforming our teaching, research, social responsibility, and partnership for the public good. The ARWU result adds to Manchester's strong performance across other major 2026 rankings, including 40 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 [ https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1srbul6258a/external?lang=en ], 56 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and 1st globally in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026. [ https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1us3v5c0j1v/external?lang=en ] The University is also ranked fifth in the UK for employability in the 2026 Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking, and remains the most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate recruiters. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 09a62db621ed7fbb634ced8a387a68e2 Feature Article The University of Manchester has maintained its place among the world's leading universities, retaining its position in the UK's top six and as one of Europe's highest-ranked institutions in the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).   The 2026 ARWU ranking places Manchester 51 in the world, 14 in Europe and sixth in the UK. It reflects the University's continued strength as a research-intensive institution rooted in Manchester and connected across the world.   The results also show improvements in two of the ranking's most prestigious indicators: Highly Cited Researchers and publications in Nature and Science. These measures point to the reach and influence of research carried out at Manchester.   The ranking is published annually by ShanghaiRanking and is widely regarded as one of the world's most influential assessments of university research performance.   Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “These results are welcome recognition for Manchester, however we must continue to improve in an increasingly competitive international higher education landscape.   “I am grateful for the hard work our colleagues contribute every day to advance knowledge, transform lives and deliver impact beyond the University. "As we implement From Manchester for the world, our strategy to 2035, we will continue to focus on excellence and doing work that makes a difference to the communities we serve."   The University of Manchester’s 2035 strategy is a long-term commitment to transforming our teaching, research, social responsibility, and partnership for the public good.   The ARWU result adds to Manchester's strong performance across other major 2026 rankings, including 40 in the <a href="https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1srbul6258a/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">QS World University Rankings 2027</a>, 56 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and <a href="https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1us3v5c0j1v/external?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1st globally in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.</a> The University is also ranked fifth in the UK for employability in the 2026 Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking, and remains the most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate recruiters. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/04/9bcd1b407b7559c37ae87e.png https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/university-of-manchester-among-worlds-leading-universities-in-latest-global-ranking/ China Centre Launches “Original Thinking, Global Impact” Campaign for Mancehster Global MBA January 2027 Intake https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/qabhtdzqrgb?lang=en&rss=true Original Thinking, Global Impact. Today, we’re launching a new campaign for the Alliance Manchester Business School’s global community in China: Original Thinking, Global Impact. For more than 200 years, Manchester has been a place where bold ideas challenge convention, create new possibilities and make a difference far beyond the university itself. From pioneering discoveries to transformative businesses, Manchester’s legacy has always been driven by people who think differently. Today, that spirit continues in Shanghai. As one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs, Shanghai brings together global perspectives, entrepreneurial ambition and some of the most complex challenges facing business today. Through the Manchester Global MBA, we empower ambitious professionals to turn original thinking into global impact. Because thinking differently is only the beginning. What you do with that thinking can change the world. Designed for ambitious professionals, the Manchester Global Part-time MBA combines an international learning experience with the flexibility to balance study alongside professional and personal commitments. The programme supports professionals looking to advance their careers, take on new roles, move into different industries or explore opportunities in new markets. The January 2027 intake is now open for applications. Think differently. Create impact. Advance your career with the Manchester Global MBA. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 94e15529f0f8eee13ad9cbeea745c67e Feature Article Original Thinking, Global Impact. Today, we’re launching a new campaign for the Alliance Manchester Business School’s global community in China: Original Thinking, Global Impact. For more than 200 years, Manchester has been a place where bold ideas challenge convention, create new possibilities and make a difference far beyond the university itself. From pioneering discoveries to transformative businesses, Manchester’s legacy has always been driven by people who think differently. Today, that spirit continues in Shanghai. As one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs, Shanghai brings together global perspectives, entrepreneurial ambition and some of the most complex challenges facing business today. Through the Manchester Global MBA, we empower ambitious professionals to turn original thinking into global impact. Because thinking differently is only the beginning. What you do with that thinking can change the world.   Designed for ambitious professionals, the Manchester Global Part-time MBA combines an international learning experience with the flexibility to balance study alongside professional and personal commitments. The programme supports professionals looking to advance their careers, take on new roles, move into different industries or explore opportunities in new markets.   The January 2027 intake is now open for applications.   Think differently. Create impact. Advance your career with the Manchester Global MBA. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/78/08e4009ca7096be3b6671e.jpg https://uom.ac.cn/programmes/manchester_en 【China Education Television】Dr Sherry Fu Honoured with 2026 Outstanding Contribution to International Education Development Award https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/3pwi9gfll5q?lang=en&rss=true On 10 August 2026, the 2026 Most Beautiful Educators Awards Ceremony was held in Beijing, where Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre and President of The University of Manchester International Education China, was honoured with the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to International Education Development Award. Organised by China Education Television and supervised by the Ministry of Education, the annual awards recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of education. The award recognises Dr Fu’s longstanding contribution to international education, UK-China educational exchange and the development of internationally minded talent. Since establishing The University of Manchester China Centre in Shanghai in 2008, Dr Fu has led the Centre through 18 years of growth, building connections between Manchester and China and bringing together students, academics, professionals, partners and alumni through education. Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Fu said: “This award is not mine alone. It belongs to the many colleagues, academics, partners, students and alumni who have walked this journey with us and who continue to believe in the transformative power of education.” Over the past 18 years, the China Centre has remained committed to connecting knowledge with practice, creating opportunities for lifelong learners and internationally minded professionals, and strengthening educational connections between China and the UK. Looking ahead, Dr Fu reaffirmed her commitment to continuing this journey with colleagues, partners, students and alumni, and to creating meaningful impact through education. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST cb982926b4a1dcdc46ab48a98806ad54 In The Media On 10 August 2026, the 2026 Most Beautiful Educators Awards Ceremony was held in Beijing, where Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of The University of Manchester China Centre and President of The University of Manchester International Education China, was honoured with the 2026 Outstanding Contribution to International Education Development Award.   Organised by China Education Television and supervised by the Ministry of Education, the annual awards recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of education.   The award recognises Dr Fu’s longstanding contribution to international education, UK-China educational exchange and the development of internationally minded talent. Since establishing The University of Manchester China Centre in Shanghai in 2008, Dr Fu has led the Centre through 18 years of growth, building connections between Manchester and China and bringing together students, academics, professionals, partners and alumni through education.   Reflecting on the recognition, Dr Fu said: “This award is not mine alone. It belongs to the many colleagues, academics, partners, students and alumni who have walked this journey with us and who continue to believe in the transformative power of education.”   Over the past 18 years, the China Centre has remained committed to connecting knowledge with practice, creating opportunities for lifelong learners and internationally minded professionals, and strengthening educational connections between China and the UK.   Looking ahead, Dr Fu reaffirmed her commitment to continuing this journey with colleagues, partners, students and alumni, and to creating meaningful impact through education. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/99/5307fed84bd7d6e863e74d.jpeg https://www.uom.ac.cn/news/detail/849 10 Sept. Shanghai, Masterclass with Prof. Paul Taaffe | Empower Your Business by Refining Your Operational Strategy https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/wr045fpewwz?lang=en&rss=true This open lecture at the UoM China Centre looks at the gap between business strategy and day-to-day operations, focusing on how companies can turn strategic plans into measurable results. Led by Prof. Paul Taaffe, a Visiting Fellow and Global MBA tutor with more than 30 years of experience in telecommunications and transformation programmes, the session will cover business priorities, resource allocation, operational efficiency, and practical approaches to decision-making. The event runs from 7-9pm on Thursday, September 10, with registration and networking from 6:30pm. The programme also includes a Q&A, a Global MBA information session, and time for consultation and networking. The event is held in person at the UoM China Centre at L'Avenue, Shanghai, with limited seats available. Registration is required by scanning the QR code on the event poster. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 5f124481f4e6ced6b64cc027210d29e0 Upcoming Events This open lecture at the UoM China Centre looks at the gap between business strategy and day-to-day operations, focusing on how companies can turn strategic plans into measurable results. Led by Prof. Paul Taaffe, a Visiting Fellow and Global MBA tutor with more than 30 years of experience in telecommunications and transformation programmes, the session will cover business priorities, resource allocation, operational efficiency, and practical approaches to decision-making. The event runs from 7-9pm on Thursday, September 10, with registration and networking from 6:30pm. The programme also includes a Q&A, a Global MBA information session, and time for consultation and networking. The event is held in person at the UoM China Centre at L'Avenue, Shanghai, with limited seats available. Registration is required by scanning the QR code on the event poster. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/b2/777f9792825ef175f41586.png https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/OyMfgJ2i0I6c3Ra1EeqFbA 19 Sept Masterclass | Understanding China’s IPO Market — And Why Leaders Need to Rethink Their Playbook https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1w8i4yv0t9i?lang=en&rss=true The University of Manchester China Centre hosts an evening of discussion on China’s changing capital markets and what the shifts mean for business leaders and investors. The programme opens with a masterclass by Prof. Arif Khurshed, exploring China’s IPO market through research on IPOs, venture capital, dividend policy, and banking, followed by a roundtable with Allen Zhang, Manchester Global MBA alumnus, Board Member & CEO (East Asia) and Chairman of the East Asia Management Board at Wanzl Group. Drawing on his experience moving from CFO to CEO, Zhang will discuss how the role changes when the focus moves from financial management to leading the wider business. The event takes place on Saturday, September 19 at the University of Manchester China Centre in Shanghai, and also includes an opportunity to learn more about the Global MBA. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 07ca5bfe6dc58874909284f2a224dd90 Upcoming Events The University of Manchester China Centre hosts an evening of discussion on China’s changing capital markets and what the shifts mean for business leaders and investors. The programme opens with a masterclass by Prof. Arif Khurshed, exploring China’s IPO market through research on IPOs, venture capital, dividend policy, and banking, followed by a roundtable with Allen Zhang, Manchester Global MBA alumnus, Board Member & CEO (East Asia) and Chairman of the East Asia Management Board at Wanzl Group. Drawing on his experience moving from CFO to CEO, Zhang will discuss how the role changes when the focus moves from financial management to leading the wider business. The event takes place on Saturday, September 19 at the University of Manchester China Centre in Shanghai, and also includes an opportunity to learn more about the Global MBA. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/1e/c4b87e9f25d7986784e342.png https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/6Z5Vedy5t-JlEURFN_na9g 19 Sept. Dialogue with Academics | What shapes educational leadership in international education today? https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1h38zxuq513?lang=en&rss=true How do education leaders develop their judgement? As international education changes, how should those working in the sector respond? On 19 September, academics from the University of Manchester will be joined by the Centre's Founding Director, as well as a current Educational Leadership in Practice part-time Master's student and educator from Dulwich College Suzhou. Together, they will discuss how education leaders develop and how leadership is put into practice in international education today. 02 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 5b56deb0d49ca678acff3baba36b0262 Upcoming Events How do education leaders develop their judgement? As international education changes, how should those working in the sector respond?   On 19 September, academics from the University of Manchester will be joined by the Centre's Founding Director, as well as a current Educational Leadership in Practice part-time Master's student and educator from Dulwich College Suzhou. Together, they will discuss how education leaders develop and how leadership is put into practice in international education today. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/b5/9102af7d4e099139b4cc08.png https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/yFaoySkSYyoBi1IrfCZG6g Educational Leadership Summer Mixer Explores Building Digital Communities in the Age of AI https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/4ay23nk918p?lang=en&rss=true The University of Manchester China Centre was delighted to welcome Dr Heather Cockayne for an Educational Leadership Summer Mixer, bringing together MA Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) alumni, International Education alumni and international educators from across the community. The event provided an opportunity to explore how digital communities are reshaping international education in the age of AI, and how education leaders can create meaningful connections and foster collaboration in an increasingly digital environment. The discussion offered valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing international education, while providing a platform for alumni and educators to exchange experiences and ideas. We would like to thank Dr Cockayne and all our guests for contributing to an engaging and thought-provoking conversation, and for continuing to strengthen the vibrant community around educational leadership at Manchester. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 8aa309cd4ead5e58660233a748cf5563 Recap of Academics' Visit to China The University of Manchester China Centre was delighted to welcome Dr Heather Cockayne for an Educational Leadership Summer Mixer, bringing together MA Educational Leadership in Practice (ELiP) alumni, International Education alumni and international educators from across the community.   The event provided an opportunity to explore how digital communities are reshaping international education in the age of AI, and how education leaders can create meaningful connections and foster collaboration in an increasingly digital environment.   The discussion offered valuable perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing international education, while providing a platform for alumni and educators to exchange experiences and ideas.   We would like to thank Dr Cockayne and all our guests for contributing to an engaging and thought-provoking conversation, and for continuing to strengthen the vibrant community around educational leadership at Manchester. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/61/e9f0bfe9b1fc928524438b.jpeg China Centre Hosts Beijing Alumni Summer Mixer https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/hoa7863a7id?lang=en&rss=true On 9 August 2026, the University of Manchester China Centre successfully hosted its Beijing Alumni Summer Mixer. Alumni and new students, both Chinese and international, from industries spanning international education, finance and public services, gathered in a relaxed summer setting to reconnect, share experiences and explore future possibilities. Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of the China Centre, warmly welcomed the guests and shared the latest updates on the University and the China Centre. She noted that the Centre remains committed to building open and diverse platforms for alumni engagement, and looks forward to working with alumni to create a vibrant alumni connection network in the Beijing region. The event also featured a pub quiz, inviting alumni to revisit key milestones of the University and the China Centre and the stories of distinguished alumni, which was warmly received. During the mixer, alumni recalled their study experiences at Manchester and shared insights from their professional journeys across their respective industries. The conversations offered fresh perspectives and created opportunities for new connections and future collaboration. The Summer Mixer marks another step in the China Centre’s continued engagement with the University’s alumni community in Beijing. Looking ahead, the Centre will host diverse activities, including company visits and industry forums, giving alumni more opportunities to reconnect, exchange ideas and stay connected with the University beyond their time at Manchester. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST f1debbdfad2f6e6a2e14c0797b464503 Events Review <section style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: 'PingFang SC NEW', system-ui, -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Sans GB', 'Microsoft YaHei UI', 'Microsoft YaHei', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; visibility: visible; overflow-wrap: break-word;"> <section style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; font-family: PingFangSC-light; line-height: 1.5; visibility: visible; overflow-wrap: break-word;"> <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; visibility: visible; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; visibility: visible; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">On 9 August 2026, the University of Manchester China Centre successfully hosted its Beijing Alumni Summer Mixer. Alumni and new students, both Chinese and international, from industries spanning international education, finance and public services, gathered in a relaxed summer setting to reconnect, share experiences and explore future possibilities. <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; visibility: visible; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; visibility: visible; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">  <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; visibility: visible; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; visibility: visible; box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Dr Sherry Fu, Founding Director of the China Centre, warmly welcomed the guests and shared the latest updates on the University and the China Centre. She noted that the Centre remains committed to building open and diverse platforms for alumni engagement, and looks forward to working with alumni to create a vibrant alumni connection network in the Beijing region. <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; visibility: visible; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;">  <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: PingFangSC-light; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5;">The event also featured a pub quiz, inviting alumni to revisit key milestones of the University and the China Centre and the stories of distinguished alumni, which was warmly received. <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: PingFangSC-light; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5;">  <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: PingFangSC-light; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5;">During the mixer, alumni recalled their study experiences at Manchester and shared insights from their professional journeys across their respective industries. The conversations offered fresh perspectives and created opportunities for new connections and future collaboration. <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: PingFangSC-light; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5;">  <p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; outline-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; min-height: 1em; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: PingFangSC-light; font-size: 14px; text-align: left; white-space: normal; background-color: #ffffff; overflow-wrap: break-word; line-height: 1.5;">The Summer Mixer marks another step in the China Centre’s continued engagement with the University’s alumni community in Beijing. Looking ahead, the Centre will host diverse activities, including company visits and industry forums, giving alumni more opportunities to reconnect, exchange ideas and stay connected with the University beyond their time at Manchester. </section> </section> https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/59/531532ec315db10fd15ecd.png https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/gDc9kBERCevtAytrH2y6RQ?token=852241970&lang=zh_CN China Centre and CIMA Explore the Future of Finance in the Age of AI https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1wuvzvx8s5e?lang=en&rss=true The University of Manchester China Centre, in partnership with CIMA, recently welcomed nearly 40 finance professionals to Shanghai for a discussion on the future of finance in the age of artificial intelligence. The event explored how AI is transforming the finance profession, from practical applications in finance to the emergence of AI Agents and the evolving skills required by employers. Bringing together perspectives from finance leadership, human resources and consulting, the session provided a multi-dimensional view of how professionals can navigate the changing workplace. Speakers included Wu Xiaowei FCMA, CGMA, Finance Director at Shanghai Pudow Water Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.; Jasmine Wu, Vice President of Human Resources at Air Liquide China; and Chen Dong, Vice President at CIMA. Beyond the technology itself, discussions focused on a broader question: how can finance professionals remain relevant, adaptable and future-ready as the nature of work continues to evolve? The event provided an opportunity for professionals to exchange insights, share experiences and consider how they can prepare for the changing demands of the finance profession. 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 CST 1c63e01c1d22f1d90bbeb2206f3c22d1 Events Review <h3 style="line-height: 1.5;">The University of Manchester China Centre, in partnership with CIMA, recently welcomed nearly 40 finance professionals to Shanghai for a discussion on the future of finance in the age of artificial intelligence.</h3> The event explored how AI is transforming the finance profession, from practical applications in finance to the emergence of AI Agents and the evolving skills required by employers. Bringing together perspectives from finance leadership, human resources and consulting, the session provided a multi-dimensional view of how professionals can navigate the changing workplace.   Speakers included Wu Xiaowei FCMA, CGMA, Finance Director at Shanghai Pudow Water Environmental Technology Co., Ltd.; Jasmine Wu, Vice President of Human Resources at Air Liquide China; and Chen Dong, Vice President at CIMA.   Beyond the technology itself, discussions focused on a broader question: how can finance professionals remain relevant, adaptable and future-ready as the nature of work continues to evolve?   The event provided an opportunity for professionals to exchange insights, share experiences and consider how they can prepare for the changing demands of the finance profession. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/4f/f2c0405c58140d3686a1e4.jpg